Our Studio
A home is more than a place to live.It’s a reflection of the people who live in it.
Habitat Housing is an Australian design studio working across building and interior design. We start with how people actually live, then shape the home around that, so it feels considered, durable and like it was always meant to be there.
We have been designing homes globally since 2018. From the first conversation, our focus is on how a client wants to live. That understanding shapes everything that follows, how the home sits on its site, how the rooms connect, and how it feels to move through them.
When we design both the building and its interior, the two are drawn together as one, so the finished home feels resolved and cohesive. Just as often we are brought in for one or the other, and the same considered approach applies whether we are shaping an entire home or a single part of it.
Our work is grounded and material. We favour honest materials, generous proportions and detail that rewards a second look, the kind of decisions that are confident and get better with time.
We take on a limited number of projects each year. That is deliberate. It keeps us close to every home we design, from the first sketch to the final detail.
Who We Are
The people you’ll work with, from the first sketch to the final detail.
Samuel Russo
Founder & DirectorSamuel founded Habitat Housing in 2018, shaping the studio’s design direction with a focus on planning, built form, and clarity.
Known for his ability to bring simplicity to complexity, Sam transforms challenging briefs and site constraints into spaces that feel intentional, functional, and deeply connected to their surroundings. His meticulous attention to detail and passion for craftsmanship ensure every project reflects Habitat Housing’s commitment to quality and livability.
Anastasia Russo
Head of Marketing & OperationsAs Head of Marketing & Operations at Habitat Housing, Anastasia brings a wealth of experience from design-led media and large-scale organisations, including The Local Project, Qantas, and Woolworths.
Sitting at the intersection of business, brand, and industry, Anastasia oversees operations while shaping how Habitat connects with partners, collaborators, and the broader design community. She ensures the studio runs with clarity and purpose internally, while communicating its vision and values with intention externally.
Oceana Krsticevic
Planning & Design CoordinatorOceana is the Planning and Design Coordinator at Habitat Housing and is currently completing her Master of Architecture at the University of Technology Sydney.
Sitting at the intersection of planning and design, she works closely with third-party consultants to ensure projects are compliant, honour the design vision, and stay on schedule. Oceana also contributes to design documentation for both interiors and building design, supporting the team in delivering cohesive and timely outcomes.
Pradeep Kumar
Project DesignerPradeep (PK) is a Project Designer at Habitat Housing, with a Master of Architecture from the University of Newcastle.
He works across interior-focused design and documentation, contributing to design packages throughout the process. Known for his expertise in project visualisation, PK creates photorealistic representations that translate design intent with clarity, supporting both design development and client understanding.
Varsha Asokan
Project DesignerVarsha is a Project Designer at Habitat Housing, with a Master of Architecture from the University of Newcastle.
Varsha works on high-end residential projects, contributing to concept development and documentation. Known for her strong attention to detail and excellent client communication, she plays a key role in ensuring design ideas are both refined and aligned with client expectations.
Karla Younan
Interior Design ConsultantKarla is an experienced interior designer who collaborates with Habitat Housing on select residential projects.
Previously, she founded and led Noir Blanc, an independent interior design practice, where she developed a refined, contemporary sensibility shaped by years of studio experience. Now working in a consulting capacity, Karla brings her design expertise and input to Habitat projects, contributing valuable insight and a thoughtful perspective to the team.
Sophie McDonald
Interior DesignerSophie McDonald is the Interior Designer at Habitat Housing, shaping high-end residential projects with a refined and thoughtful approach.
Renowned for harmonising materials, colour, and form, Sophie creates interiors that feel timeless and deeply connected to their context. Collaborating closely with the team, builders, and suppliers, she ensures every detail contributes to a cohesive and buildable vision.
Ralph Russo
Studio Morale OfficerRalph is responsible for maintaining morale at Habitat Housing, fostering a calm and positive studio environment. Beloved by the team, he’s known for offering companionship, gentle supervision, and the occasional (but always welcome) meeting interruption.
In addition to his role as Studio Morale Officer, Ralph takes his duties as unofficial security seriously, keeping a watchful eye on office activity and ensuring the studio is always well attended.
Enquire
Tell us a little about your project. We will get back to you with a little more information about our philosophy, approach and process shortly.
We take on a limited number of projects each year.
Thank you.
We’ll get back to your enquiry shortly.